Who Knew the Heart of A Rebel King Could Be So Warm?

Please do not steal, copy, or use my work without my permission... EVER.

Author's Note: Hey! Here's the next chapter peeps! I'm so glad I got it done relatively quickly. :D Thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed, faved, and read this story! You all rock! And just to warn you, this story is rated M for a very specific reason. And in this chapter there are… LEMONS! So, you've been forewarned. Anyhow, thanks again guys! :D

Bonded

Why did my happiness have to be ruined so quickly? Why couldn't they have just left us alone? Everything was going fine. It wasn't perfect, but me and Phoenix were making it work at the palace. We both did everything that we could to be happy, and we were. I had him to myself most days, and when I didn't I had Pan and/or Elle to keep me company, and I was even making friends with the servants again. It was all going good. Until they had to get in the way.

The second to last week in October, the air deliciously cool, the leaves setting the trees a flame, and the excitement of the upcoming Autumn Festival was irresistible. Every year, we had a huge festival, on All Hallow's Eve. Everyone wore ornate masks, entirely beautiful, and entirely unique. And the royals always threw a big masquerade party, that was supposed to be the most beautiful and fantastic thing ever. I wondered whether or not Phoenix and I would be going, but it seemed to be a touchy subject for him, so I hadn't outright asked him yet. I sighed; All Hallow's Eve was always one of my favorite holidays. The palace was already being decorated, in all the deep, gorgeous colors of autumn, and everything seemed to glimmer and shine.

I was wandering around with Pan, who was two months old now, and about the size of a large beagle, looking at all the wonderful decorations. Phoenix had been called away earlier by his parents, who'd sent a messenger who had said it was very important. Phoenix looked as though he knew what it was about, and had not looked pleased. So I'd gone on a little ramble, as I often did to keep my mind off Phoenix being away, and entertained myself. But thoughts of him kept sneaking up on me. I sighed. I was hopelessly in love with the man. It was to be expected that I missed him, even if he was only gone for a moment.

I strode a little more determinedly through the corridors, Pan scampering along happily next to me. I came into the main hall of the palace, and danced down the grand staircase. I eyed the huge set of doors, that were a full story high, and bit my lip. I knew that they led to the ballroom, and I was dying to see it. Phoenix had yet to show me, because when he'd taken me on the tour, after the unfortunate incident, his parents had been in there, so we'd of course skipped over it. I walked up to the doors, and saw they were cracked open a bit. I pushed it open just a bit further, with quite a bit of effort I might add, because those wood doors were heavy. I gasped when I saw what was inside.

It was easily the biggest room in the entire palace. It was two stories high, with huge windows that wrapped around the two sides of the room that were against the outside of the palace. There were glittering chandeliers, and the walls and floor were done in stunning colors of gold, with swirls of silver and black. It was impossible to describe it's beauty, because I'd never seen anything so wonderful and beautiful in my entire life. It was a room where grand parties were held, I could swear I could hear the echo of rustling skirts, and soft music. I felt the urge to sway, as if in dance.

My heart ached at the wonder of the room. Decorations for the Autumn Festival were already being put into place. I could already see it; ladies in traditional formal gowns, men in stunning black tuxedoes, everyone in stunning masks, gliding across the dance floor. Suddenly, more than anything, I wanted Phoenix to take me to this dance; to hold me close in his arms, and dance with me, his eyes for no one but me. I sighed softly, the images swirling through my mind. I wanted the dream so much, so desperately much.

I was pulled roughly from my dreaming by loud shouts. I froze. One female, two male; one sounding deeper than the other. I flashed back to the first day that I met Phoenix, and knew instantly what was going on. I looked down at Pan, who was growling softly. "Go to your room, Pan. Wait for me there." I said. When I was sure Pan was safe, I dashed from the room, and rushed into the main hall just in time to see Phoenix stalking down the stairs. He did not run, which I could tell cost him a great deal of control. His eyes were violent storms of purple, his body tensed with rage, his expression set in anger. I looked past him, and saw his parents at the top of the stairs.

The Queen looked regal in a pale blue dress, the King looked cruel in a suit. The Queen looked frustrated and a little sad, the king just looked emotionless, spare for the faint annoyance. They were so different from each other, and even more different from the son that they'd made together. I felt suddenly sad and angry at the same time. "Don't you walk away from me, Phoenix." The king said quietly, his eyes narrowed.

"Phoenix, darling please. We only want what's best for you." The Queen pleaded. Phoenix whirled around, and glared angrily at them both.

"I will walk away from you, father. I'll walk away from it all for her. Because she's what's best for me." He said.

My heart beat stumbled, and tears filled my eyes. Oh… Oh god… So this is what it feels like, I thought breathlessly. This is what the real thing is. This is what it feels like when you love someone, and they love you back. I closed my eyes against the swarm of emotions that threatened to overtake me. How could I have thought that I was in love before? That was easy, that was just the calm before the storm. I'd only been falling in love with him. But now, this was the crash after the flight. It was painful, but more real to me than it had been before. And beautiful. There was a great and terrifying beauty in the pain. Even the pain felt right, because there had to be pain when you took out your heart, and gave it to someone.

I opened my eyes, and felt suddenly like nothing could come between us now. Not his title, not his parents, not anything. I dropped the wall that surrounded my thoughts, and reached out to Phoenix with my mind. Phoenix… I whispered with my mind. I saw him tense, and then spin to face me. His eyes were wide with shock, and I smiled. Come to me. He was in front of me in a whirl of color. He stared at me, his face intense, his eyes clouded with emotion. I looked from him, back to his parents. They both looked stunned, even the King. I framed Phoenix's face with my hands, and smiled again. I love you. His eyes widened again, then they softened, and made my heart ache. Can you feel how much I love you? I asked with my mind, as I let him inside the deepest parts of my mind, letting him feel the depth of my love for him.

He put his hands over mine, and closed his eyes. Ava… I heard his voice in my mind. I've loved you for decades… I trembled, and forced back tears. He opened his eyes, and I kissed him softly. He sighed, and then looked back at his parents. Anger flashed back into his gorgeous eyes. "Phoenix, no." I murmured. He looked back at me.

"They don't understand." He snarled. He looked back at them, and shook lightly with rage. I knew he wanted so much to protect me from them, and to force them to see the love that had grown between us. But I also knew that he didn't know how.

"Go." I whispered. "Outside. I'll be out in a moment." I said. He looked uncertain, but then nodded. I could tell he had such a slippery hold on his control, and he didn't want to lose his grip.

When Phoenix was gone, I looked back at his parents, and felt again the mixture of grief and anger. "You should be ashamed." I whispered angrily. They looked taken aback.

"Excuse me?" The Queen asked.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. The both of you." I said, ready to snarl at them. "You have the most amazing son in the world, and you don't even know it. You force him to do things that he doesn't want to do, and the more you push, the more he fights back. Don't you see; he's a warrior at heart, not a politician. But that doesn't mean that he doesn't want to help the kingdom. He does; he wants to help so badly. If you left him alone to do things his way, you'd be surprised at how good a prince he could be." I said.

I shook my head, and paced for a few steps. "He loves you. But you can't see it, because you're too wrapped up in what you think he should do, and who you think he should be… who you think he should love." I faced them again. "I love him. He loves me. It's no more simple, or complicated than that. He'd good to me, and I'm good for him. And if you can't see that…" I shook my head again, and glared up at them. "Then you're both blind and stupid. And you'll miss out on the most amazing man, the most amazing prince the world has ever seen. And if you don't stop pushing, you're going to lose him. And for that, I pity you." I said. Then I turned, and ran out to find Phoenix.

I found him just out front, leaning lightly against his beautiful black motorcycle. He looked up when he saw me, and when I reached him, he cupped my face in his hands, and kissed me. He kissed me long, deep, and thorough. There was passion, love, and heat, and it made me want him desperately. When he pulled away, I moaned softly in disappointment. "I need to get out of here, Ava." He murmured. I looked down.

"I understand." I said, disappointed. He was leaving, just when we'd finally admitted we were in love. Phoenix chuckled. I looked up, confused.

"Ava, darling. I want you to come with me." He said, smiling. I blinked, then smiled sheepishly.

"Oh. Okay." Phoenix laughed fully now.

"You didn't think I'd leave you behind did you?" he asked. I blushed.

"Well, umm…" Phoenix shook his head, and kissed my flushed cheeks.

"Come on, there's a place that I keep near the beach. Completely private, for emergencies." He said.

"What about Pan?" I asked.

"We'll have George bring him to us." He said. I nodded. George, Phoenix's personal driver, was kind, and answered solely to Phoenix.

He handed me the spare helmet, and we both climbed up on the bike. Just like the first time, we shot forward like a bullet out of a gun. I laughed breathlessly, and wrapped my arms around Phoenix's solid torso. We rode far away from the castle, along the coast, taking a road similar to the one we'd taken to the carnival. It was just as beautiful in the shimmering sunlight as it was in moonlight. I sighed, and rested my cheek against Phoenix's back. My heart felt like it would burst from love and joy. Phoenix and I were in love. We were in love. I let myself bask in that simple, pure truth, and enjoyed the ride.

After about an hour, we turned down a road that lead down to the beach. Near the end of the road, there was a gate. Phoenix punched in a code, and it swung open for us, then shut securely behind us. We continued down the road, and finally reached the beach. I gasped when I saw the house that Phoenix had spoken of. It was nestled in the sand, a good way from the cliffs. It was white, almost Victorian style, and gorgeous. It was three stories, not including what looked like a small attic, with not one, but two huge wrap around balconies that faced the water. The sand was white, and the water was sparkling cobalt. It was like something out of a dream.

Phoenix cut the engine on the bike, and took off his helmet. I followed suit. "Oh Phoenix. It's gorgeous." I murmured. He looked at me over his shoulder, and smiled.

"I'm glad you like it." He said. "I keep a few other places for myself when I need to get away, but this is definitely one of my favorites." We both got off the bike, and walked towards the house.

"So, this place is completely privet?" I asked.

"Yes. There's no access to the beach for three miles each way, so it's all ours." He said. I shivered in anticipation. A beach house all to ourselves. With no one to bother us. Perhaps the 'soon' that Phoenix had mentioned would be here.

The inside of the house was as amazing as the outside. The main entrance had you staring up into a double staircase that led to the next floor, with wide open floor plans both top and bottom. The bottom floor had a living room directly up front, as did the top floor. Both led out to the huge balconies. Upstairs there was a gorgeous kitchen just to the left, and bedrooms to the right, and behind the kitchen. Phoenix told me that the entire bottom floor had been converted into a huge game room. I was excited to see that. There were several rooms that were spare bedrooms, a small library, a few living rooms, several gorgeous bathrooms, all done in white and light blue and green, so everything seemed light, and airy. And then… there was Phoenix's personal rooms.

I just about died when I saw them. The bedroom was white, with dark wood furniture, a huge king size bed that looked like a cloud with its white duvet and fluffy pillows. There were a dozen windows, and big double doors that led to the balcony, which overlooked the foaming surf. And the bathroom was… I wanted to live in it. All white, with dark wood, and a huge bathtub that you could practically swim in. And his and her sinks. I grinned when I saw those. Probably the first time the second one would be used.

I went back into the bedroom, and pounced on the bed. "Yahoo!" I shouted in delight, then landed in a lake of luxury. Phoenix laughed at me. "This is delicious." I murmured, snuggling against a pillow.

"I'm glad you approve." Approve? I wanted to purr.

"This is amazing, Phoenix." I said. His eyes warmed, and he kissed me. His hand cupped the back of my neck, and massaged gently. When his tongue swept into my mouth, I moaned softly. My fingers tangled in his hair, and he growled softly. Phoenix pulled away, and I pouted. Then I heard his voice in my mind. Tonight. One word, and my heart stuttered frantically. I didn't have to ask if either of us was ready. We both knew we were. I nodded, and his eyes flashed with a predatory gleam.

Phoenix stood. "I'll call George tomorrow, and have him bring Pan. There are some things here for us, and I can have George bring the rest in the morning." He said. There was no need to ask why we were waiting until tomorrow.

"There's things here for me, too?" I asked, confused. He nodded. "Why?"

"When we went shopping, I had some things brought to each of my houses of yours for emergencies. I keep things here in case I leave without packing, so it seemed right that you have things here too." He said. I blinked. God he was amazing.

"Thanks." I said softly, smiling. He shrugged, as if it was something he hadn't even thought about, and had done automatically. Knowing him, that was probably true.

"Why don't you freshen up, and I'll start dinner." He said. I grinned wickedly.

"You know how to cook?" I asked. He glared at me.

"Yes. I'm not completely useless you know." He said, exasperated. I laughed as he continued to mutter as he left me alone in the room.

I went to the big walk in closet, and browsed through the few selections that were in there. When I found a soft, swirling dress the color of rubies, I pulled it out. It was a halter, with a plunging v in the front, and no back. It was perfect. I slipped it on, and left my hair down, as I knew Phoenix liked. I put on my little black flats I'd been wearing, checked my makeup quickly, refreshed my perfume (lightly so it wasn't overpowering to Phoenix) and then headed to the kitchen.

Phoenix was busy at work, with the CD player going, and a band I knew was one of his favorites playing an upbeat, rebellious song. He moved to the beat, and sang along with lyrics. I watched him for a while, cooking, dancing, and singing all at the same time. He was so sexy, I could hardly stand it. When I walked forward, I could tell the moment that Phoenix knew I was there. There was a tension in the air, an anticipation that hadn't been there before. He turned and faced me, his eyes filled with heat. "Fall Out Boy, isn't it?" I asked, nodding at the CD player. He nodded.

"Tiffany Blues." He said.

He went back to what he was doing, but I could tell his attention was still on me. I made me feel powerful; bold and maybe a little wanton. I sat on the little stool that was pulled up to the breakfast bar, and leaned forward on my elbows. When Phoenix faced me, I saw him pause, his eyes drift to the deep v of my dress. With Phoenix so insistent that I not skimp on meals, I'd recently acquired some rather impressive curves. Clearly Phoenix had not gotten used to them yet, especially when I showcased them.

I smiled sultrily. "See anything you like, sweetheart?" I asked. It was something he'd asked me when I'd stared at him after he came out of the shower. His eyes snapped back up to mine, his gaze hungry. "You know, we could just skip dinner." I said. Phoenix growled softly.

"Don't say things like that unless you plan to make good on them." He said. My eyes widened at the rough tone of his voice, but I snapped out of it.

"What makes you think I won't?" Phoenix groaned.

"Ava," he started in a warning tone. "I am trying to be a gentleman here. And make this… special for you. But if you trying to seduce me, we're never going to make it to dinner." He said.

I pouted momentarily, but then grinned. Number one, yay me for being able to test his control so easily. Number two, he was incredibly sweet to try and make tonight special for me.

"Alright. I'll behave myself." I said. Phoenix visibly relaxed.

"Thank you."

"I'm going to go for a walk along the beach. That way you can get things ready without me… distracting you." I said.

"Okay. Dinner should be ready in about half an hour." He said.

I went outside, and sighed. Dark and already fallen, and everything was bathed in silvery blue light from the nearly set sun. There was a crisp breeze, the smell of salt, and the feel of sand under my toes. I wished that Phoenix and I could stay here forever. Or at one of his many other privet houses. Then we could be alone. No servants, no nobles, or other royals to worry about. Just me and Phoenix. But that could never happen. I frowned wryly, recalling a line from a favorite movie of mine. A recent favorite, since I hadn't really watched movies until recently. "You were born to privilege, and with that comes specific obligations." Ever After. A good flick, and a remix on the Cinderella story. I winced, realizing that that was very much like my own story. Somewhere between Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. I sighed. Sometimes, life just plain sucked.

I pulled myself from those cheerful thoughts, and looked out across the water. Life might suck, but tonight, it was going to be beautiful. I was nervous, now that I was all alone, and there was room in my mind for nervousness, now that I wasn't looking at Phoenix. I trembled. Okay, so maybe I was more than a little nervous. I'd never had a relationship before Phoenix. I wasn't sure if Phoenix was the same way. I'd never thought to ask, really. He said he didn't really date, but he's one hundred and eighty years old for Christ's sake! He couldn't possibly have gone all that time without… well, you know. Or maybe he could, what did I know? He seemed more… old fashioned when it came to that particular area.

That was actually a comforting thought. Maybe this was as new to him as it was to me. Feeling cheered, I thought about how the night would progress. We'd have dinner, and then what? Go outside for a walk, then… I couldn't picture that far ahead. I imagined Phoenix had some sort of plan, which was comforting, seeing as how I was completely plan-less.

When the moon rose, and the first stars winked into light, I decided I'd given Phoenix enough time, and headed back to the house. When I walked inside, I gasped. The formal dining room table had been set for two, with candles, and wine glasses filled with what I assumed was sparkling cider, and a little vase with a single red rose. Phoenix stood behind the table, dressed in black slacks, and a white button up shirt, rolled up to the elbows. There was soft music playing in the background, and it was slow and seductive. He smiled when I stared at him in shock. "Dinner is served." He said. I smiled, and took his offered hand. He certainly was trying to be a gentleman. It was an irresistible combination – the old fashioned gentleman, who pulled out my chair for me, and the modern rebel, who still wore those sexy silver earrings.

We sat down, and I just about died when I saw what he'd cooked. Spaghetti! It was my favorite. Spaghetti, with salad and garlic bread, and it all looked mouthwatering. I took a bite, and moaned. "Oh my god. This is… delicious!" I said, taking another bite. My eyes rolled into the back of my head in pure ecstasy. Phoenix chuckled.

"I'm glad you like it. I wasn't sure what to make, but I figured spaghetti was a relatively safe bet." I nodded enthusiastically, and he laughed again.

We chatted easily throughout dinner, (when I wasn't stuffing my face) and the cider (ha! I was right) bubbled deliciously on my tongue. For dessert, there was fresh fruit, and whipped cream, and I'm not ashamed to admit there was another minor repeat of the whipped cream war…. I won. Just saying. By the time dessert was almost done, I had a serious case of the butterflies. My heart fluttered nervously, and my skin tingled in anticipation. Phoenix could obviously tell I was nervous, but he didn't say anything.

When we were finished, I saw Phoenix shift in his seat, and his expression clouded. "Is something wrong?" I asked. He shook his head.

"No. But there's something that I need to tell you… something I need to explain before…" My heart skittered.

"Okay." Phoenix hesitated, as if sure how to begin.

"When a vampire and a marked human make love, it is more than just an act." He said. I frowned.

"Well of course it's more than just an act." I said indignantly. Then I softened. "We love each other." Phoenix smiled, but shook his head.

"That's not what I meant. Between a vampire and a marked human specifically." He said, looking at me pointedly.

"Oh. You mean… something special happens. Something that wouldn't between a vampire and anyone else." I guessed. He nodded. "What happens?" I asked. He hesitated again, and he seemed nervous. "Phoenix?"

"I wasn't sure how to tell you, before. This is why I've been holding off." He muttered.

"Phoenix, just tell me." I demanded, exasperated. Phoenix sighed, and looked up at me, his eyes pleading, and vulnerable. It was the first time I had ever seen him look that way. For the first time, I really understood that he loved me, because I had the power to break his heart, just as easy as he could break mine.

Phoenix looked away, and stared out the window at the water. "When a vampire and a marked human are together, in mind and body, they become bonded. Similar to the way they are connected before, but infinitely stronger, and much more permanent." He said. I blinked.

"Permanent?" I whispered. Phoenix looked at me again, his expression unreadable.

"Yes. They become bonded for life. Mated for life." He said. My mouth parted in shock, and my breath froze in my lungs. For life?

"Forever." I murmured. "Forever is an awfully long time, for a vampire." Phoenix nodded.

"Yes it is."

"Why didn't you tell me before?" I asked. His eyes flickered with some emotion, then it was gone.

"Because I wasn't sure… I wasn't sure you loved me." He said. I paused.

"But were you sure that you loved me?" I asked. He nodded, his eyes going soft.

"I've been in love with you for a long time Ava. I feel like I've been waiting my entire life for you. And that's a long time for me. I feel like I've been in love with you for decades." He said. My mind was whirling with questions, thoughts, demands, ideas, but my heart was much simpler.

"Phoenix… are you asking me to do this? Are you asking me to be bonded with you… forever?" I asked. I could see his breathing quicken, and knew his heart must be racing.

I saw his hand twitch toward mine, but then pull back. "Yes. I won't pressure you to. If you don't want to, I'll understand. If you're not ready…" he closed his eyes. "Or if you think you'll never want to… I won't ask you to do otherwise. Understand that this is irreversible. Nothing can break the bond once it's made, except death." He said. The traditional wedding vows of "'til death do us part" rang through my mind. If I did this, it'd be like agreeing to marry Phoenix. Hell, it'd be as if I married him. Did I want that? Did I love him enough to stay with him forever? The forever part stalled me. It'd only be forever if I… if I became one of him. If I turned. I knew that I wouldn't do this, unless I was willing to turn for him. Otherwise it wouldn't be fair to him. I would get old, die. And he'd live perceivably forever. Aging one year for every hundred human years.

I searched my mind, and heart, trying to imagine a world where Phoenix and I weren't together, weren't in love. A world where I couldn't see him any time I wanted to. Where I couldn't see his arms around me. I couldn't see it. Trying to felt like ripping my soul in two; painful and impossible. My heart stuttered, and I smiled. I lifted my gaze to his. "Ask me." I whispered. He frowned. "Ask me what you really want to, Phoenix." His expression cleared.

"Marry me, Ava." He murmured, his gaze intense. I didn't even hesitate.

"Yes." I whispered.

Phoenix simply stood, and walked around the table to me. He took hold of my hands, and pulled me to my feet. My breath caught in my throat at the way he looked at me. So much love, so much heat, desire, and need. He kissed me softly, and suddenly I wasn't worried about what would happen next. It didn't matter that it would be hard, so hard to achieve what we wanted. Nothing mattered except the fact that Phoenix loved me, and we wanted to spend forever together. All that I needed, was Phoenix, and the love that had grown between us. "Phoenix… now." I murmured against his mouth. He pulled back slightly.

"Now? Are you sure?" he asked quietly. I nodded. He said nothing else, just swept me up into his arms with a careless strength that left me breathless.

He moved at vampire speed upstairs, and we were in the bedroom in a blink of an eye. I sighed in delight when I saw that here there were more candles, flowers, and music. The balcony doors were open, letting in moonlight, and a soft breeze made the curtains flutter gently. "I didn't need all this." I said.

"I wanted them for you." He replied. I smiled. I didn't ask what he would have done if I'd said no. There was simply no way that that would have happened. Ever. I'd never tell him no.

"I didn't need them, but they're lovely anyways." He smiled, and set me carefully on my feet. He tugged me gently over to the bed, and sat me down on its edge. My pulse raced when he kneeled at my feet. His eyes stayed on mine, and he lifted my foot, and gently tugged off my shoe. The other one went the same way.

When Phoenix began to gently rub my bare feet, I moaned softly, and leaned back onto my arms. I didn't need the seduction, but how could I possibly complain when it felt so damned good. His hands moved slowly up my legs, rubbing lightly at my ankles, then calves. When he pressed an intimate kiss to my knee, I trembled. "I'll be careful with you, Ava. I won't hurt you." Phoenix murmured. I sighed.

"I know." I whispered. Phoenix stood, and I moved back on the bed, and then lay down. When he came to me, and held himself above me, I sighed softly. I cupped his face in my hands, and lost myself in the violet of his eyes. His free hand cupped my hip gently. Then I kissed him.

Mouths met, brushed, nipped lightly, and met again. His mouth seduced me as easily as his hands had, coaxing, and encouraging me. I tangled my fingers into his hair, and his hand moved to lightly cup my face. Then it stroked down my cheek, over my shoulder, collarbone, his fingertips flowing over me like water. When he slipped a hand between my breasts, I moaned, and arched my back. His touch was like a drug, and I was hopelessly addicted. Phoenix soothed me with his mouth, tenderly brushing his lips over mine. He moved his hand over my stomach, back to my hip, over my thighs, to cup the back of my knee gently. Just as he had at the carnival, he hitched my leg over his hip, bringing us closer, center to center. I gasped, and arched my hips instinctively. Every new sensation excited me, each kiss, and touch seducing me hopelessly. I was completely his, and he knew it.

Phoenix chuckled softly, and moved his mouth from mine, and began to make a line of feather light kisses down my jaw, over my neck, down my collarbone. "Phoenix, please." I murmured. I arched again in invitation, and saw his eyes darken with desire. His hand slipped behind my neck, and tugged at the tie that held my dress up. It gave, and Phoenix leaned up onto his knees. His eyes stayed on mine as he slowly tugged the dress down, revealing my skin inch by inch. My breath quickened, and my skin heated under his gaze.

When he finally had the dress off, he groaned. "Are you trying to kill me?" he asked. I smiled. I'd worn the lacy black underwear with tonight in mind.

"Maybe." I responded. He growled softly, and then kissed me. There was more heat, and desperation in this kiss. His hands were a little rougher as they streaked over my skin, a little more bold. His mouth nipped at mine, demanding, delicious, dark. I moaned, and squirmed against him, creating delicious friction. He growled against my mouth, and when his tongue swept inside to taste me, I sucked. He tore away from my mouth to kiss and nip a line down my exposed skin, down my torso. It felt like being eaten alive. His hand snaked behind my back, but I leaned up before he could flick it open.

"Wait." I said.

"What?" he asked, looking confused. I grinned.

"This has got to go." I said, tugging on his shirt. Phoenix grinned, and reached for the buttons. I stopped him, and kissed him. With his mouth busy on mine, and his hands tangled in my hair, I could do as I wanted, and unbutton the shirt myself. I pushed it back off his shoulders, and smoothed my hands down his chest. His skin was warm, smooth, and covered firm muscle that quivered under my hands. I grinned. Power felt good.

When I lightly ran my fingernails down his skin, I felt him growl. Suddenly I was under him again, and he had both my wrists pinned in one of his hands. The weight of him on top of me was thrilling, and made my heart stumble. His eyes burned me alive with their heat, but it was such a lovely way to burn. Phoenix smiled wickedly. His free hand flicked open the clasp of my bra, and he tossed it behind him. My mouth parted in surprise. His hand cupped my breast lightly, and I moaned. Then, he dipped his head, and his mouth replaced his hand. He tortured me with teeth, tongue, and lips, and I cried out, and arched. My skin felt like it was on fire, and that same heat poured through my body, making me writhe, desperate for release. "Phoenix… more…" I moaned breathlessly. He hummed against my skin, and the vibrations made me squirm deliciously.

Phoenix began kissing a silky line down my torso, over my stomach. His hand loosened its grip on mine, and my arms came down to fist my fingers in his hair. There was a flood of heat, and pressure in my core that was somewhere between pleasure and pain. I needed more. My mind reached out to his. More… hurry! My urgency seemed to snap his control, and his hands gripped my hips roughly. He cupped a hand against me, and my hips jerked. Then I heard a rip, and felt a tug, and realized he'd ripped my underwear clean off. I gasped, but arched my hips, invitingly.

Phoenix tugged off his slacks with incredible speed, and then lowered himself on top of me slowly. The sensation of skin against skin was irresistible, and I moved against him, eager for more. His mouth came to mine again, for a deep, drugging kiss. His hands stroked over my sweat slicked skin, and the flames of my desire leapt ever higher. He pulled back slightly. "Hold on tight." He murmured. Then he slowly eased into me, at the same time that we both lowered the wall around our minds. I cried out, and my fingernails dug into his skin. I felt everything he did to me, but it felt as though the sensations doubled, feeling what I did to him. He filled me, stretched me to the point of pain, but I only registered the pleasure. Skin to skin, body to body, desire to desire. He began to move inside me slowly, and I followed the pace he set. It was so easy, like breathing. Our eyes met, and I got lost in his gaze. He filled me over, and over again, until the pressure inside me built to crescendo, and I began to tighten around him. Phoenix shuddered, and just when I thought I couldn't take the pleasure anymore, he sank his teeth into the mark at my neck.

I screamed, and the pressure that had been building exploded, and all my muscles tensed, and my back arched violently. I heard Phoenix shout my name, and grip me tighter. Wave after wave of pure pleasure crashed over me, and I fisted my hands in the sheets. It was more than physical; it was every part of me, every part of me was now connected to him. I could feel the change. We were bonded now. We always would be. Phoenix slid his tongue over the mark, and I shuddered, and moaned, before my muscles slowly relaxed. He rolled, and pulled me on top of his chest. I rested my cheek there, and listened to his racing heart.

I moved against him, and shivered at the feel of naked skin to naked skin. "Wow." I breathed when I finally found air. Phoenix chuckled, and lightly ran his fingertips down my skin.

"Hmmm… Yes. Wow." He murmured. I trembled, swamped with feelings of not only passion and desire, but love and devotion as well. I realized that that was a part of love I'd missed before, but knew now. I was hopelessly devoted to Phoenix. I'd do anything for him. "You have the most beautiful look on your face." Phoenix said softly. I looked up at him, and once again let the guard around my mind fall away, letting him in. He closed his eyes, and pulled me close suddenly, his arms tightening around me. "God, Ava. It's beautiful." He murmured. "What you feel for me... It's so big, bright, and blindingly beautiful. Like the sun." I smiled, and wrapped myself around him. His description couldn't have been more accurate.

My heart felt like it would burst. Here was the rebel prince of the vampires, wrapped around me, holding on as though he would never let go. Here was the sweetest, kindest, most generous man I'd ever met, looking down at me as though I was the center of the world. It was stunning. It was beautiful. It was… empowering. His love made me feel stronger, invincible. There was nothing I couldn't tell him, no side of myself that I need hide from him, nothing that I could ever feel self conscious, or nervous about with him.

With that thought in the front of my mind, I began to feel quite sassy, and confident. I smiled slowly up at him, and saw the immediate shift in his eyes that told me he was becoming aroused again. I chuckled quietly, and nipped quickly at his lips. He growled, but before he could pull me closer, I rolled away, and danced up and out of the bed. Phoenix blinked in surprise, then his eyes narrowed as they did a slow, thorough examination of my completely nude figure. He quirked a brow at my sultry challenging look. "What are you doing?" he asked. I grinned, fast and wicked.

"Taking a shower." I decided, spur of the moment. I turned, and headed for the bathroom. I paused at the door, and tossed my hair over my shoulder, hardly sparing Phoenix a glance. "You're welcome to join me… if you're up to it." I said, recklessly challenging him.

Before he could respond, I was moving into the bathroom. I opened the door to the very large, very impressive, very to die for shower, and stepped inside. There were several places where water poured from when I turned the water on, and I shivered in delight. It was delicious. I turned the water as hot as I could stand it, and found was shamelessly aroused as it poured over my already heated, and sensitized skin.

I hadn't been under the hot spray for more than two seconds when the door to the shower open and shut at lightning speed. Then Phoenix was in the shower with me. It felt intimate, and wonderfully sexy, to share a shower with him. He stared at me intensely for a moment, and then moved forward under the water. His hair darkened immediately, and clung to his neck and forehead. His skin was slick, and his muscles rippled and flexed lightly as he turned to face me. My breath caught in my throat. I'd always known he was tall and broad shouldered, but in the smaller space, his frame seemed to take up more space than it should have. He was so very male, and strong, and made me feel so very small, and ridiculously female.

He pulled me close to him, so water cascaded down both of us. I moaned softly at the slick feel of our skin sliding against one another. He yanked me to my toes for one long, drugging, smoldering kiss, and then released me. He grabbed the shower gel, and squeezed some into his hands. My eyes widened. "Phoenix…" I started.

"Don't worry, little one. I'm just going to help you get clean." He said, not even bothering to try and sound innocent, and instead grinning wickedly.

There was no just, about Phoenix 'helping' me in the shower. His hands slicked slowly over, down, and around my skin, massaging and caressing every inch of my body. He went from neck, to shoulders, down my arms, and then my torso. When his hands glided over my breasts, lingering there, I thought I might feint. I was already panting furiously, and gripping the shower walls for support. Then he moved down over my hips, thighs, calves, then moving back up again. When he slipped two fingers inside me, I cried out, and tossed up and over that wonderful peak of pleasure. Then the man had the nerve to rinse me off. He put me under the spray, and made a second journey with his hands and this time his mouth as well, making sure I was completely soap free. It was tortuous, delightful, just a whisper away from painfully arousing.

When he tried to pull me into him, I pushed him back. "Oh no. My turn." I said. This time Phoenix's eyes widened, as I did every delightful, wickedly torturous thing to him as he'd down to me. Eventually his control snapped, and he dragged me up by my shoulders, and pinned me against the shower wall. I leapt up around his waist, and he slipped inside me immediately. I screamed his name as he thrust into me, gripping my hips roughly. This time passion took on a darker, sharper edge, and it sliced through us both like a double edged knife. As with the first time, our bodies and minds met, mingled, and tangled until it was impossible to separate one from the other. We were joined in every way – heart, body, and mind. As we both crashed over the edge of oblivion, I clung to him desperately, wanting to stay joined with him forever.

Ending Note: Hey! I hope you liked this chapter! :D I love it. Hehehe. So, some serious stuff went down here, so stayed tuned for the next chapter! More intenseness to come! XD Oh, and here is the link for my inspiration for the beach house. I tweaked the décor on the house obviously, and the location, but it really inspired me. : ) Review, fav, and read! I'll love you forever for it! :D

property/residential/128-n-baum-trail-duck-nc-27949?destination=real-estate%2Fsearch%2Fdetailed-search-results%3Fdynamic_sort%3D